Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the function of the Tax Assessor’s Office

A. The Tax Assessor’s Office is responsible for the accurate accounting of all properties in a particular town.
The assessor is responsible for placing the “Fair Assessable” value on each separate parcel in a particular tow. Our office is also responsible
for approving and tracking any deductions that may be placed on a property.

Q. How are my property taxes calculated?

A. The amount of your tax bill depends on two factors. The first is the assessed value of your property,
(Which the Assessor’s Office is responsible for). The second is the tax rate. To calculate the amount of taxes your paid in any particular
year multiply your assessed value by the tax rate. (assessed value x tax rate = $amount of taxes)

Q. What is the tax rate and how is it calculated?

A. The tax rate for each town is set by the Union County Board of Taxation on an annual basis.
The tax rate for each town varies and it will vary from year to year for that particular town.
The tax rate is determined by the annual budgets of the three taxes entities. The local school system, the county and your local municipality.
All three entities make up the overall “General Tax Rate” that every property pays on in a particular town. The largest portion of anyone’s tax
bill goes to the local school board.

The tax rate is calculated by dividing the total budgets of all three entities involved, by the ratable total of the municipality.

Q. Improvements that will increase your property’s assessed value

A. Generally speaking any market item that would increase the market value of your property
would increase the assessed value of your property. Below is a general list of improvements that would increase your assessed value.